Summer is here and in full swing! With the temperatures rising and the sun shining, Premier Home Health Care wants to remind everyone that July is UV Safety Awareness Month. Before you pack up your coolers for the beach, lake or neighborhood BBQ, here are a few ways to minimize the risks that come from UV ray exposure.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are an invisible kind of radiation produced by the sun, sunlamps and tanning beds. UV rays can penetrate through the skin and change skin cells. There are two types of UV rays that can cause eye and skin damage, UV-A and UV-B rays.
- UV-B rays have short wavelengths that can reach outer layers of skin
- UV-A rays have longer wavelengths that can penetrate the middle layers of skin
By educating yourself on ways to decrease your UV ray exposure you will be able to protect you and your family so that everyone can enjoy the great outdoors and sun this summer. Here are four ways to help you and your loved ones:
- Use the right amount of sunscreen
- According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, the majority of people apply only 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. It is important to reapply every 2 hours or sooner if you are swimming or sweating – even if the sunscreen is waterproof.
- Choose the Right Sunscreen
- Cover Up
- Wearing a hat, long sleeves, sunglasses or pants can help reduce your UV ray exposure. You can also purchase lightweight clothing with built-in UV protectant to add additional protectant.
- Stay in the Shade
- The sun is most strong during midday. Staying in the shade between the hours of 10am and 4pm and help further protect you from UV rays.
These tips can help you enjoy your time in the sun safely this year!
For more information contact:
Premier Home Health Care Services, Inc.
www.premierhomehealthcare.com
